I worked in complete silence on Monday morning. It wasn’t a choice - I had left my headphones at home, packing my bag for the studio with sleepy eyes after a long weekend. I imagined the bummer of a quiet morning ahead, sadly slipping my phone into the front pocket of my bag and hanging it on a hook near the door. My hands slowly became muddy with red clay as I rolled coils and twisted them into delicate knots. My mind grew clear without message announcements from Siri or thought-provoking podcasts streaming into my headspace. A few hours in and my shoulders were noticeably less tense, my jaw relaxed, my mind at ease. The expected mundane had shifted into a calming meditative space for my swirling thoughts to settle.
This quiet time with just me and my work made me realize - when was the last time I really disconnected during my waking hours? When did I last put my screens aside and focus my attention on the physical world in front of me?
My body and mind are craving less time melting in front of glowing screens and more time with my hands dirty from clay and my head in the sky. Here’s how I plan to keep disconnecting this summer:
Get my hands dirty with clay and paints and watercolors and charcoals, while my phone stays quietly stowed far away
Walk with my dog while my phone rests at home
Switch off my screens during candlelit dinners with my partner
Gift myself a warm drink in a handmade mug and a book before bed, after my phone is put away for the evening
Plan evenings in the park focused solely on friends and food and wine
What should I add to the list for my summer of disconnecting?
May the pottery in your home inspire tech free moments all summer long.
I added these sweet little knots to my webshop, and pretty functional versions are in the kiln right this moment!
My thoughts around disconnecting from screens always come back to my attention - where is it focused? who and what is on the receiving end of it? Tomorrow I plan to pack my headphones when I head to the studio and turn on this interview.
I watched this movie on the flight home from LA and it was so, so beautiful. I can’t wait to watch it again.
My recent playful mood finally made it’s way into my newsletter design! Hoping for the time and inspiration to play with colors and new drawings each week as we continue along. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being here <3